Chemical manufacturer 3M has agreed to significant changes in a revised settlement proposal with several U.S. public drinking water systems that would resolve allegations of contamination by “forever chemicals,” with the new settlement terms including paying billions of dollars more than previously agreed.
The invisible man-made chemicals that are the subject of the settlement are called per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known for their resistance to grease, oil, water, and heat. They are colloquially referred to as “forever chemicals" because they don’t easily break down in the human body or the environment.
